Our Story
Based in Dahlonega, Georgia, Waypoint Ministry was founded in 2005 to meet a great need both here in our community and beyond.
Our goal has been to utilize an approach to regeneration that takes into account the clinical side of healing from chemical addiction and integrate it into a faith-filled environment that offers deeper meaning.
Leadership Team
Chris Gillhouse
Chris started off as a volunteer here at Waypoint. Later, he joined the board, and then ultimately felt the Lord nudging him in 2012 to leave the world of commercial construction to support Waypoint Ministry full-time as Executive Director. Along with his wife Robin, who’s affectionately called the “Waypoint Mom”, Chris spends his time carrying out the vision of our ministry, planning for the future, and investing in the lives of each and every man who comes to us for help. Under his leadership, our organization continues to grow as we serve more men and families in need of regenerative care from life-controlling habits. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling / Psychology.
Certifications: CAC Level II (Certified Addiction Counselor) and CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Instructor.
Favorite Verse: “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of our sins.” – Romans 3:22-24
Michael Tucker
Michael grew up in Cumming, Georgia. Despite the promise of a degree, he began to struggle with alcohol in his early twenties – an unfortunate reality for so many. Things continued to tailspin for Michael until joining the family here at Waypoint. As a graduate of our program, he relates to the men in our care in a unique and compelling way. Through his twelve-month stay, an additional season of volunteering, and now as a staff member, Michael not only found personal freedom but feels called to serve other men so they find theirs. Michael returned to school and received an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies from Southwest Bible College. He is currently working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time outdoors.
Certifications: CIT – Counselor in Training
Favorite Verse: “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”- Ephesians 2:20-22
Miles Rapier
Miles started a life of drug and alcohol use in his early teens. With a rough home life, these substances were a poor antidote to fill a hole that could only truly be filled through a deeper faith in Jesus. It would, unfortunately, be several years before he came to that realization. In the meantime, he experienced a failed attempt at college and even homelessness as a result of addiction. Like so many of our graduates, he was at the end of his rope when he finally found a home here at Waypoint Ministry. His path toward recovery, rejuvenation, and renewed hope wasn’t easy – but it was life-changing. Today, you can find Miles serving the men in the very seats where he once sat. We cannot think of a better person to welcome men into our home than someone who has walked through the same despair and has come out free on the other side. Miles holds an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies.
Certifications: CIT – Counselor in Training
Favorite Verse: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26
Matt Mote
Married to his high school sweetheart Tracey, and now blessed with 3 children, Levi, Ethan, and Marlee, Matt has been working in the field of addiction recovery since 2008 and as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor since 2012. He graduated from Liberty University with his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and his Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. He and his family have been serving as pastors since 2004. They have recently merged their ministry to birth Rehoboth Congregational Holiness Church in Banks County. Here at Waypoint, we employ a holistic approach to regeneration and are grateful for Matt’s expertise in understanding the clinical side of recovery. Each and every day, men benefit from tackling their habits with both their head and their heart. We are grateful for Matt’s investment that makes change possible for each and every man we serve.
Certifications: Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Favorite Verse: “Blessed [happy and sheltered by God’s favor] is everyone who fears the LORD [and worships Him with obedience], who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments.” – Psalms 128:1
Mike Arehart
Mike Arehart was born in Ventura, California. He battled drug addiction for over two decades. He originally entered Waypoint in 2018 with the sole purpose to escape from society for a year. His mind was set on exploring Christianity while still holding onto Worldly things. Mike returned to Waypoint for a second time in 2020 to find a true relationship with Christ. Mike decided it was time to surrender completely to God. Mike is valuable to the Waypoint team and works at the thrift store as the Sales Floor Manager. He really enjoys serving the surrounding community by sharing his personal testimony with the many customers that come through our thrift store.
Mike is currently attending Southwest Bible College to obtain his Associate’s Degree. He is also working on attaining his credentials to become a Certified Addiction Counselor. Mike is also focusing on restoring his relationship with his two kids.
Certifications: CCIT – Counselor in Training
Favorite Verse: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 KJV
Matthew Scott
Born in Arkansas, Matt and his family moved to Georgia when he was seven years old. His childhood and teenage years were relatively normal and included church attendance and sports activities. He began drinking at an early age. Following marriage, he spent many years working various jobs, primarily in marketing and sales. Despite his successes in business, his dependence on alcohol led to one firing after another.
At one of his lowest points, Matt entered Waypoint Ministry and although completing the 12-month program and returning to the business world, he returned to drinking. Eight years later, following a divorce and his life spiraling out of control, he entered Waypoint for the second time directly upon release from jail, and that’s when things really began to change. His effort was, for the first time, put directly into his relationship with God. With the help of the Waypoint leaders and men he was surrounded by daily, he learned to put God first. Not only to stay sober but to lead a joy-filled life.
Since joining the Waypoint staff, It is abundantly clear to him that this is God’s plan and path, and he is happy to be in a position to help the men at Waypoint Ministry battle addiction with their walk in the Lord, and to encourage them by sharing his experiences and message of hope.
Outside of Waypoint, Matt is focused on building his relationship with his son and daughter. He is also an avid sports fan and, especially because of his Arkansas roots, loves his “Razorbacks”!
Favorite Verse: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your distress on Him, because He cares for you”. – 1 Peter 5:6-7
David Poe
David started using drugs and alcohol to cope at a very young age. He used to escape the reality that his family was imperfect. During his addiction, David struggled with shame, guilt, and self-worth. David blamed himself and others for not being in his children’s life. David came through Waypoint in 2016 with reservation to drink and smoke once the program was completed. Very quickly David found himself right back in the bondage of addiction and again separated from his kids. David returned to Waypoint in 2022 to find something that was more valuable than just himself. He was sick and tired of all the chaos and hurt. David surrendered himself to Christ and gave God all the control.
David loves to share his personal story with the men and enjoys teaching class. He has a heart to work and serve as the Food Service Manager. David has become ServSafe Certified and has a desire to get his certification as a Certified Addiction Counselor. David is focusing on restoring the relationship with his youngest son. David believes in God’s perfect timing; He will restore all his relationships with family.
Certification: ServSafe Manager
Favorite Verse: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaish 40:31
Mike Sims
Chairman
Johns Creek, GA
Mike Sims is an executive vice president of Vinings Bank and is the president of the bank’s North Fulton market. Since June of 1986, Mike has served in various commercial banks in managerial and business development roles. Mike’s career has taken him from Birmingham to Atlanta. He has served for sixteen years with banks in the Georgia market and has much experience in providing comprehensive financial services for both the commercial and consumer marketplace.
Mike has a Master of Business Administration from Samford University. He currently serves on the board of Crossroads Outreach, is the past Board Chair for Iron and Fire Ministry, a member of the Finance Committee of the Atlanta Athletic Club, and the past Admissions Chair for Perimeter Christian School. Mike and his family reside in Johns Creek, Georgia and are active members of Perimeter Church.
Jason Blain
Board Member
Johns Creek, GA
As vice president of strategic alliances for Herschend Family Entertainment, Jason Blain forges mutually profitable relationships with third-party companies that share HFE family values – expanding their market presence and driving attendance to the parks.
Before joining Herschend, Jason co-founded Entertainment Properties, an Orlando-based consulting and development firm for leisure, recreation, and theme park attractions. Through this venture, he worked with clients to develop creative projects that were both economically and operationally sound investments.
Jason also served as vice president at Management Resources, one of the nation’s largest management consulting firms for the leisure industry. Prior, he worked with Walt Disney Company’s attractions division.
Jason earned his Master of Business Management/Finance from Wake Forest University, and his bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University. He and his wife, Mary Katherine, live in Johns Creek, Georgia and are highly active in their church and the lives of their four sons.
Jeff Pruitt
Board Member
Dahlonega, GA
Jeff Pruitt is the operations manager of the Ramsey Conference Center, Lanier Technical College, Hall Campus. In his role, he provides outstanding customer service to every event and coordinates back-office operations to keep the facility running day-to-day.
He first approached Waypoint to provide event setup services for the Conference Center in 2012. The relationship has become both an integral part of operations at the Center and a valuable revenue stream for Waypoint Ministry’s Regeneration Program.
Jeff and his wife Connie have five children and four grandchildren. He has a passion for service and has contributed his time as a board member and volunteer for other organizations such as the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, the Bald Ridge Boys’ Lodge, and B.A.D.G.E. of Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. Jeff is a native of Forsyth County, Georgia and currently lives in Dahlonega where he spends his free time managing his 104-acre cattle ranch, Sonshine Farm.
Steve Carruth
Board Member
Atlanta, GA
Steve Carruth lives in the west end of Atlanta with his lovely wife, Jenny, and beloved dog, Phoebe. Steve and Jenny were heavily involved with Passion City Church for 10 years, but now call The Church at War Hill in Dawsonville, their church home.
Steve is the owner of Verus Ventures LLC a commercial roofing and sheet metal fabrication company. At Verus, Steve gets to live out a dream of having a business that uses its profit to support members of the community and organizations like Atlanta Mission and Servantee.
After the Lord rescued him from long-term addiction, Steve has made it his life’s mission to come alongside others struggling with a variety of addictions. He opened his home in 2012 for the first man to come and live with him. Developing Disciples Ministry has since helped 17 men come to know their true identity in Christ and learn how to walk as a son of a loving Heavenly Father. There is nothing that brings Steve greater joy than seeing men set free because he knows first hand what that freedom feels like.
Steve loves music, having breakfast/brunch with his wife, quality time with friends and family, travel, his dog, true crime television, the mountains, and being on the water.